Olympics tae kwon do?

Question

why don't they use the traditional way of tae kwon do in the olympics. oh and can you explain to me why they never have their hands up to protect their upper body, is it a rule or what?

Answer 1

I don't know too much about taekwondo because I practice karate, but the rationale is that the leg is the longest part of the body, and that should be used for attack instead. Therefore, putting your hands in the way brings one's concentration away from kicking, which is the heart of takewondo.

Only my opinion, but as far as martial arts are concerned, if you only rely on your legs for attack and defence, I think you back yourself into a corner somewhat.

Answer 2

The reason they keep them down is because you're not allowed to punch to the head but you are allowed to kick to the head so chances are, you're less likely to get kicked in the head by a kick than in the chest area which also counts for points.

Answer 3

im sorry im not sure! x x

Answer 4

Keeping the arms down protects the rib area, which is the most commonly attacked area in international competitions.  

The are so fast (at that level) that it's rare for anyone to land a front kick or a side kick to the front/chest area of the scoring zone, so they keep them down on the sides to protect there, and to conserve energy and stay relaxed.  

But, you are right that their heads are wide open.  

James

Answer 5

I study both ITF and WTF forms.  What you see in the Olypmics is the WTF sparring which is almost all kicks.  Most of the fighters don't keep their arms up because hand strikes are almost all but illegal, so they get lazy.  WTF is more modrern then ITF.  ITF is point sparring with little/no contact.